Mexico has lowered its swine flu alert level, and we've seen that most companies seem to be taking a prepared, not panicked, approach to the outbreak. So, now I'm wondering about the long-term effects, if any, of swine flu on the meetings market in Mexico.
While I was researching, I came across a great interview conducted by PlannerWire with Rodrigo Esponda, director Midwest at the Mexico Tourism Board. In the interview, conducted before the swine flu media blitz, he shared his opinion on why now is a great time to meet in Mexico. A favorable exchange rate, easy access via daily flights from major cities, and
professional, reliable suppliers in tourism destinations and big cities are a few benefits he gives for planners.
Another advantage I didn't know previously: meeting planners can get a refund on Mexico's 15 percent value added tax (VAT). For planners who have held events in big U.S. destinations like Chicago, where sales tax is over 10 percent, it's obvious that a refund like this equals significant cost savings.
As Esponda mentions in the interview, Mexico has recently taken some hits from the media because of the gang violence going on near the border. But he believes a few things, like Mexico's affordability and unique cultural offerings, will keep it going strong. And in fact, he says, it is one of the top 10 tourism destinations in the world with almost 23 million visitors last year.
Certainly events like the gang violence and swine flu can't help Mexico's image, but I think that, based on what it can offer to meeting and event planners, it would take much more to keep the country down for long.
Watch the full interview with Esponda over at the OnSite Events blog.
While I was researching, I came across a great interview conducted by PlannerWire with Rodrigo Esponda, director Midwest at the Mexico Tourism Board. In the interview, conducted before the swine flu media blitz, he shared his opinion on why now is a great time to meet in Mexico. A favorable exchange rate, easy access via daily flights from major cities, and
professional, reliable suppliers in tourism destinations and big cities are a few benefits he gives for planners.
Another advantage I didn't know previously: meeting planners can get a refund on Mexico's 15 percent value added tax (VAT). For planners who have held events in big U.S. destinations like Chicago, where sales tax is over 10 percent, it's obvious that a refund like this equals significant cost savings.
As Esponda mentions in the interview, Mexico has recently taken some hits from the media because of the gang violence going on near the border. But he believes a few things, like Mexico's affordability and unique cultural offerings, will keep it going strong. And in fact, he says, it is one of the top 10 tourism destinations in the world with almost 23 million visitors last year.
Certainly events like the gang violence and swine flu can't help Mexico's image, but I think that, based on what it can offer to meeting and event planners, it would take much more to keep the country down for long.
Watch the full interview with Esponda over at the OnSite Events blog.
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